Laos Visa: All things you need to know

If you are planning a trip to Laos, the first thing comes into your mind is how to obtain a visa to Laos which is required for most foreign visitors, including children and infants. At present, fortunately, there are several options of Laotian visa which give great flexibility in making travel arrangements as visitors do not need to plan their visa ahead. According to the policy for Laos visa, the visa fee also depends on the nationality of passport holders. Here in this post, more information about visa of Laos will be provided. Check it out with Laos Travel!

Laos Visa On Arrival

Getting a Visa On Arrival for Laos is very convenient without waiting too long. The visa fee will be varied depending on the nationalities, between US$ 30-US$ 45/person.

Who can get Laos Visa on Arrival?

Certain countries in Africa and the Middle East must apply for visas beforehand while most others can just get visas on arrival by show up at the airport / border, fill in visa application form, pay visa fee, wait for your turn, and receive a 30-day tourist visa on arrival.

Visa Exemption will be applied for the following countries:
+ 30 days: Cambodia, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Mongolia, Russian, South Korea.
+ 15 days: Japan, Luxembourg, Switzerland
+ 14 days: Brunei, Myanmar
And holders of diplomatic and/or service category passports do not require a visa Laos up to 30 days (unless otherwise noted)

Demo Visa to Laos

Who Can’t get Laos Visa on Arrival?

Nationals of the following countries are not allowed to obtain a visa on arrival and must apply for visas beforehand instead: Afghanistan, Algeria, Bangladesh, Burundi, Cameroon, Congo, DR Congo, Eswatini, Ghana, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Iran, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Lesotho, Liberia, Libya, Monzambique, Nauru, Niger, Nigeria, Pakistan, Senegal, Sierra Leone, South Sudan, Sudan, Suriname, Syria, Tonga, Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Laos Visa On Arrival Requirements

The requirements for a Laos visa on arrival are as follows:
– Original valid passport for at least six months from the date of arrival in Laos with enough 2 blank pages (endorsement pages are not considered blank);
– A completed visa application form signed by the applicant (available at visa window at Lao ports of entry or given before landing if you are arriving by plane). If you fill the visa form in advance, you don’t have to wait too long at the last of the line. Otherwise you can also download Laos VISA FORM here.
– 2 passport sized photos (light background, no longer than 6 months) (*);
– Visa fee (in cash only, USD or Thai Baht)

(*) In case the traveler does not prepare a photo in advance, there is service for this at the customs with an additional fee (US$ 1-2) for scanning the photo from the passport. For those who wish to visit Laos, please be aware that there will be additional charges for the visa if you arrive between 6:00 and 8:00 in the morning, on a weekend, or on a national holiday.

How to Get a Visa on Arrival for Laos?

To get a visa on arrival for Laos, the traveler should have all of the required documentation listed as above.

Look for the window marked “On Arrival”. Handle all required documents for visa on arrival and pay the visa fee to finalize the process.  The cost of Laos Visa varies according to nationality of applicant from US$ 30-45/person, so please check update of the price list which is on display at the visa counter.

Wait for your turn until the name of traveler will be called when their application has been reviewed get the visa stamped on the passport.

Be sure to get entry stamp on arrival and exit stamp before leaving. Double check the stamp date for your travel’s safety.

Useful Tips

• Hotel booking & Return ticket may be required to show (not always if you traveling overland). It is wise to produce an itinerary from a travel agent to avoid any problems.
• Currency restrictions for entry or exit: The import or export of local currency is not permitted. Over 2,000 USD or equivalent in foreign currency, the declaration at customs can be applied.
• Few nationalities (from particular African countries like Sudan, Somalia, etc. or Asian countries like Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Pakistan, etc.) can be asked for security deposit (from USD 500) at costumes & will return on the day of departure. Otherwise the entry won’t be allowed.

Main Ports of Entry in Laos for Visa on Arrival

Here are the main ports of entry in Laos where foreign visitors from eligible countries will be able to obtain a visa on arrival to enter Laos.

At international airports of Laos

• Wattay International Airport in Vientiane Capital;
• Luang Prabang International Airport in Luang Prabang Province;
• Pakse International Airport in Champasak Province;
• Savannakhet International Airport in Savannakhet Province.

More details of Laos airports, read here

At Border Checkpoints
There are a number of land border checkpoints where allow to get a visa on arrival for Laos, including:

Thailand-Laos Checkpoints
There are 6 routes across the Thai border into Laos as follows:

• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I: Nong Khai to Vientiane;
• Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II: Mukdahan to Savannakhet;
• Friendship Bridge III: Nakhon Phanom to Thakhek;
• Chiang Khong – Houayxai, Chiang Rai to Bokeo Province;
• Chong Mek – Vang Tao, Ubol Ratchathani to Champasack Province;
• Nakaxeng – Kaenthao, Loei to Sayabouly Province.

Visa On Arrival counter to get the visa stamped in your passport before entering Laos.

Vietnam-Laos Checkpoints

• Tay Trang – Sop Hun; Dien Bien to Phongsaly Province;
• Na Meo – Namsoi; Thanh Hoa to Huaphanh Province;
• Nam Can – Nam Khan; Nghe An to Xieng Khuang Province;
• Cau Treo – Nam Phao; Ha Tinh to Bolikhamxai Province;
• Lao Bao – Dansavanh, Quang tri to Savannakhet Province;
• Bo Y – Phou Keua, Kon Tum to Attapeu Province.

Cambodia-Laos Checkpoints

• Trapeang Kriel (old name: Dong Kralor) – Nong Nokkhien (old name: Veun Kham), Stung Treng to Champasak Province.

China-Laos Checkpoints

• Mohan – Boten, Yunnan to Luang Namtha Province.
• Mengkan – Lantouy, Yunnan to Phongsaly Province (for Chinese and Laotian citizens only)